Tour a forest in Qualicum Beach this solstice

Learn all about the Kwalikum Food Forest this Saturday, on the longest day of the year.

“Explore the gardens, learn about some of the wild and cultivated foods we can eat,” said the food forest’s Madeleine Dwyer of their Summer Solstice Garden Tour, June 20 from 1 to 2 p.m.

“This is an opportunity to learn about our project and about opportunities to get involved,” she said, inviting people of all ages and levels of gardening experience.

“The food forest offers a space for inspiration, education and cultivation,” according to its Facebook page. “We invite all students, teachers and community members to get involved… even if you have never planted a seed before.

“We are using the term food forest to communicate a few things,” Dwyer previously said, “including our intention to use ecological practices in the garden, permaculture design, including native plants and wild foods (including weeds) and to distinguish ourselves from the Qualicum Beach community garden.”

The point of the garden is “to find as many connections between the school and community as possible to grow awareness of food issues.”

Course and workshops are offered for students and the general public and high school students can earn credits towards graduation.

The tour will go ahead rain or shine, so dress accordingly, she said, including bringing water if it’s hot.

The tour is by donation, with proceeds supporting the garden’s food education project. They are capping it at 25 people, so reserve a spot now by calling 250-240-6236 or e-mail

kwalikumfoodforest@gmail.com.

Food forest organizers are also be hosting a workshop on hugelkultur — raised garden beds — on Saturday,

July 4. Contact them or watch their Facebook page for details: www.facebook.com/kssfoodgardens.

The garden is located behind Kwalikum Secondary, 266 Village Way, Qualicum Beach.